FORMER prison inmate Basil Mthethewa is a man on a mission.
He is determined to change the negative image of his birthplace as a place producing criminals to one producing businessmen and -women.
Mthethwa, who hails from the crime-torn area of Mabhuyeni Reserve in the KwaMthethwa Traditional Authority, is a budding entrepreneur who owns a clothing business called Methusalem Clothing Designer & Embroidery.
The 33-year-old was one of the recipients at the uThungulu Community Foundation grant issuing ceremony held recently in Richards Bay.
His company received a grant of R20 000 from the public benefit organisation, whose patron is His Majesty, King Goodwill Zwelithini.
In an interview with the Zululand Observer, Mthethwa said while he was not proud of his background that caused him to spend time in jail, he was nevertheless grateful to God for giving him a second chance in life.
‘I mean it when I say I want to change this perception that people have of Mabhuyeni, and I will work tirelessly to achieve that.
‘I was one of the most feared criminals in my hometown, and was arrested for armed robbery and sentenced to 20 years in 2002. With God on my side, I was released on parole before completing my full jail term, and since then I have never looked back,’ said Mthethwa.
‘When I was apprehended, I only had Grade 10, but while I was serving my jail term, both in Westville Correctional Services and at Qalakabusha, I managed to continue with my school work and complete my matric. I also registered for a national diploma in Agricultural Management through UNISA, but owing to financial constraints never completed it.
‘That’s when I started falling in love with sewing, a sector that is very close to my heart. I learnt all those skills while I was inside.
‘When I came out of prison, I decided to register my company in 2012.
‘We do some clothing work for schools and local companies. Currently I’m working with my two volunteers who are also passionate about the clothing industry.’
He said the R20 000 donation will go a long way in sustaining his business, but added that he would still appreciate other organisations who can assist him further.
‘I want to see my business going international, that’s my vision. My immediate task is to get a machine for embroidery. In that way I would be able to create work for more youngsters of Mabhuyeni, which is my ultimate vision.
He also appealed to the business and corporate sectors, as well as the community at large to accept those who come from ‘behind bars’.
‘In some sections of our community, we are still treated as criminals,’ he said.
